The Khruellian Encounter Page 28

  On the descent, Talor mentaled him, “I’ve modified your globe communicator to allow Adalan-Kyfor to understand what you’re saying without waiting for my translation.”

  Jon looked at Annika and saw that she got the same message. Jon asked Talor, “What about her conversation to us, will we be able to understand her without you translating?”

  “Not yet, but you will be able to understand her empathetic messages better. With a little experience, you will be able to carry on a mental conversation with her.”

  Jon turned to the screen to watch their final approach to a city unlike any he had ever seen. The graceful towers were circular in shape and tapered to a point. Connecting them were thousands of aerial passageways, some open, some enclosed. The building stopped abruptly at the jungle’s edge as if a boundary had been drawn. Jon could see at least several aerial highways snaking off through the jungle, presumably toward other city centers.

  The CSF Sparta followed the Hylox ship to a clearing in the center of the city where a pulsating light on the pad indicated a landing site. Five individuals stood to one side waiting for the ship to land. In spite of his lack of exposure to no more than a few Hylox citizens, Jon was able to pick out Adalan-Kyfor. He felt the familiar buzz in his head and by concentrating he was able to determine it was an excited welcome message. Adalan-Kyfor was apparently excited to see them.

  When they walked down the ramp, first Annika and then Jon was swept up in an embrace that was more powerful than any diplomatic speech of welcome. The two humans probably owed their safe return from the combat mission to the Khruell Hegemony planets to the guardian angel actions of the Hylox fighters under Adalan-Kyfor’s command. Their return hugs were equally emotional. Adalan-Kyfor broke loose from the embraces and welcomed them more formally. Talor translated, but when Jon responded the look of surprise on the Hyloxian’s face was unmistakable. Jon heard the excited buzz of her response in his mind. Talor quickly explained he had given the humans a mental speech device to communicate with her and with a little work they could make it a two-way conversation.

  Adalan-Kyfor escorted them to a nearby reception lounge and waited while the humans settled into round shaped chairs. The design’s purpose became apparent when Adalan-Kyfor settled into her chair. She pulled her legs up and curled them under her. The similarity to Terran cats was unmistakable. They exchanged a few pleasantries about the beauty of Adalan-Kyfor’s homeworld, but Jon was too impatient to get started on his mission to spend too much time on small talk.

  Talor translated Adalan-Kyfor’s next question. “I am pleased that you and your life mate have come to see me Jon McKinnah, but why are you really here? Are we getting ready for another battle?”

  “The biggest battle we will ever fight, Adalan,” Jon said.

  The Hyloxian uncurled from her chair and said, “My fighters and I are ready to follow you anywhere, Jonathon.”

  Jon felt a sensation of devotion to him and his cause. He didn’t understand why she had attached herself to him, but he was grateful she had. Jon used his new ability to talk directly to her to explain what they were trying to accomplish. Like every species involved in the Allied Defense Organization, the Hyloxian ships had strengths and weaknesses. Adalan-Kyfor was keenly aware of her ship’s inability to make long-range FTL jumps.

  When Jon was through, she stood up in a single graceful action and said, “I am ready to stand by your side before these Ankhs and asked them for the tools we need to ensure our survival.”

  “When can you be ready to go?” Jon asked.

  Adalan-Kyfor smiled broadly, revealing her perfect set of carnivore teeth. She said, “I am the commander of our space forces and need no permission to leave. I am ready now.”

  While Jon and Adalan-Kyfor were talking, Talor had been in communication with the Hyloxian computer network to learn what Adalan-Kyfor would require to eat. He had made arrangements to have a short supply of her favorite foods delivered to the CSF Sparta. When he explained this to Adalan-Kyfor, she looked at him sharply and said, “Perhaps, Talor, you are the secret weapon we should be negotiating for.”

  The android bowed slightly and said, “I am at Commander McKinnah’s disposal, and by association, at yours.”

  “Then he is well served by both of us,” she said and returned his bow.

  An hour later the CSF Sparta lifted off from Hylox and headed for the boundary with four different species on board, humans, an Alphan, a Hyloxian warrior, and an android whose true identity as a Drog warrior lay in the deep recesses of the multi-species Ankh mind. They were on a mission of hope.

  Chapter 48

  The Ankh

  It was hard to comprehend the numbers displayed next to the image of the Ankh homeworld. The numbers were too large to describe anything manmade, but the unnatural sheen of an ultra-smooth surface refuted any suggestion of it being a natural creation.

  Annika’s XO said, “The volume of that thing is more than four million cubic kilometers.”

  Talor spoke up, “It is the most complex device in this galaxy, perhaps even in the universe.”

  Jon noticed both Ruuhr and Adalan-Kyfor were standing shock still at the sight of the huge globe. Even the normally stoic Cleric-General Bradley-Kinsley had a strained expression on his face. Jon was concerned for his wellbeing. “Are you alright, William?”

  William clasped his hands to the sides of his head and said, “Voices, millions of voices.”

  Talor reacted quickly and placed the protective band on the Vajrashilan’s head. William’s expression returned to normal.

  An unexpected voice over the ship’s com startled all of them, except Talor. “Welcome Group Captain McKinnah. I see you have brought company with you. They are also welcome. We will bring your ship aboard now.”

  The CSF Sparta began to move and accelerate toward the globe. The systems non-com officer said, “We moving pretty fast, Captain.” Concern was evident in his voice.

  Before Annika could say anything, Talor spoke clearly so everyone on the bridge could hear him. “Do not be concerned, the Ankh means us no harm. We are their invited guest.”

  Jon mentaled Talor, “Are you in contact with them?”

  Talor said, “Yes, they are curious about the purpose of your visit. The Ankhs thrive on curiosity.”

  “Good,” Jon replied. “We shall attempt to entertain them.”

  Annika smiled at him across the command center console and mentaled, “Don’t tell me you’re going to do that clanboat chant song again.”

  “Probably,” he countered.

  “Oh God, we’re doomed,” Annika said in mock horror.

  Talor stared at the duo without saying anything, but it was enough to stop their banter.

  The sphere had grown so large it filled all of the forward screens and was beginning to spill over to the side view screens. It gave them the sensation they were diving straight down toward the surface. Details of the surface were becoming apparent; a portal off to one side and a protrusion of some type off to the other side of their upcoming impact point, which was displayed on the screen as a red circle. All eyes on the bridge were focused on that point. Slowly an opening appeared in front of them and grew larger. The ship slowed rapidly and eased into the giant cavern behind the doors, which closed immediately after their entry. The ship stopped and settled without touching the deck. Jon tried to estimate the dimensions of the cavern but gave up when he saw a platform moving rapidly toward them. It was unoccupied. The ships ramp lowered, apparently on a command from the unseen Ankh. Jon took that as a signal it was time to meet the entities he had heard about all his life. His grandparents had tried to prepare him for this moment, but so far their words had failed to convey the magnitude of the Ankh’s home. He hoped he was prepared to meet them in person.

  The platform stopped at the base of the ramp. On closer inspection, it had low sides with six built-in seats. Jon speculated if the number of seats was coincidental or did the power of the Ankh extend to creating a
custom platform just for this particular occasion.

  In answer to his unspoken question, Talor said, “For this occasion.”

  Jon looked at Talor and shot back, “If they’re trying to impress me, they needn’t bother. I’m already wowed to the max.”

  Talor looked at the human companion he was wedded to for life and recognized Jon’s banter was out of nervousness, not fear. He was afraid he would fail at this most critical point in human development, and that failure would lead to the death of the human race.

  Talor put his hand on Jon’s shoulder and said, “Speak logically from your heart, Jon. That’s all you can do.”

  The six of them, three humans, one Hyloxian, one Alphan, and Talor boarded the platform. As soon as they were settled, it moved at an undetermined speed. There was no sense of acceleration or movement other than the image of their rapidly diminishing spaceship. Adalan-Kyfor reached over and took Annika’s hand. The platform stopped as quickly as it had started. In front of them, a pair of very Earth-like doors appeared and opened. The invitation was obvious. Jon led the way into a small, all-white chamber. A group of humans in colorful togas turned to look at them when they came through the doors. One stepped forward and walked directly to Jon. He was Jon’s height and had a regal head of white hair with a kind expression.

  “My name is Marcellus, Group Captain McKinnah.” He went down the line and introduced himself to each of the visitors, and when he got to Talor, he said, “It is good to see you again, Talor. You will be pleased to know your request to be reunited with your sentient self is under consideration at this very moment. From what I hear, your request is being well received.”

  Talor did not respond but bowed his head in acceptance of Marcellus’ statement.

  Marcellus introduced his five companions, “This is Nicolenia, Commodius, Anthony, Cato and, Philippe.” The toga-clad humans all bowed slightly at their introductions. Marcellus gestured toward a collection of assembled chairs and said, “Perhaps we would be more comfortable seated.”

  Jon noted the chairs were designed for each species’ requirements, a tall chair for Ruuhr and a circular one for Adalan-Kyfor. His grandfather had warned him that all this, including the six people in togas, were computer generated projections designed to make the visitors feel at ease. He decided to speak first once they seated to see if he could control the direction of the meeting.

  “My grandparents asked me to express their regards and to tell you they look forward to the day they will join your society.”

  Commodius said, “Remarkable people, your grandparents. It is not often we see an individual build an empire and then not assume command of it.”

  That gave Jon an inkling for the reason his grandparents had been invited to join the Ankh society. “My grandfather suggested I come to see you to get an answer to a grave problem we face.” Jon waved his hand to include everyone in his party.

  Nicolenia said, “It is exceedingly rare for different species to cooperate with each other. It must be a serious problem.”

  Jon was reasonably certain the Ankh was fully aware of the situation and were waiting for him to state his reasons for coming to see them. Talor had told him they were curious about that reason and he decided to satisfy their curiosity quickly.

  “The Khruellian Hegemony, but then I’m sure you’re fully aware of the situation we face.” Before they could respond, Jon waved his hand in the direction of his party and said, “We humans, Hyloxians, Alphans, along with four other species have formed a defensive organization to fight this plaque. We know we face insurmountable odds, but we are left with little choice other than to fight.”

  The Ankh who had been introduced as Anthony spoke, “You could always submit to their demands.”

  Ruuhr stood and said, “It is too late for that, we are already engaged in battle, and the Khruellian do not forgive those who resist them.”

  Anthony persisted, “But it is you who started the hostilities.”

  Jon rankled at that accusation, especially since it was true in a literal sense and also because he was the one who had fired the first shot. Talor had advised him to speak logically from the heart. “Anthony, from your reference point, is it correct for a man to stand idly by while a known killer points a weapon at his children?”

  Anthony slight smile came and quickly vanished, perhaps in appreciation of a good debate. “Certainly not, Commander McKinnah, but that situation has not yet occurred, no one has threatened you.”

  Jon understood he was in a debate with a far superior, better-prepared individual or minds, whichever Anthony represented. He knew he could not let himself be drawn into a wider philosophical debate. He would lose simply because of the time it would take to come to an inconclusive ending. It was the time they didn’t have.

  He stared directly at Anthony and then let his eyes wander over the other Ankh representatives. “You used the word ‘yet’ in your answer, Anthony, which to us implies the threat is an inevitable event. The difference between your position and our position is one of timing, not one of legality or illegality.”

  Marcellus stepped forward and stopped the debate. He said, “Commander, please note that Anthony is not judging your actions, his words merely reflect the debate that is going on in our society about the conflict between your coalition and the Khruellian Hegemony. It is how we gather consensus on the situations we observe. Obviously, you didn’t ask to come here to join in our internal debate. What is it you wish to ask of us?”

  The moment of truth had arrived. Jon spoke as confidently as he could under the circumstances. He said, “The seven species in our collation all understand we cannot defeat the Khruellians. We are but a hundredth of their size, but individually we each possess a specific technology equal to or superior to the Khruellian version of the same technology. Collectively in the same warship, they are far superior to a comparable Khruellian warship. With that combined technology we have a chance to protect ourselves and perhaps even defeat the Khruellians in the future.”

  Nicolenia said, “And the technology you want to share is the IS-Drive.”

  “You are correct, Madam,” Jon said with his heart in his mouth. “My grandfather said we cannot do anything without your permission.”

  Marcellus seemed to speak for all of the Ankh when he said, “This is a very serious request.”

  Jon took that as an invitation to justify his request. He pointed to Adalan-Kyfor and Ruuhr and said, “These two allies, as well as the other four not represented her have each developed an FTL system based on the use of great force to tear a hole in the fabric of space. Talor has informed me such a drive is offensive to the IS. The system we use, which was derived from our observations of your drive asks permission of the IS to travel from one point to another. Surely our method is more pleasing to the IS.”

  Marcellus said, “Indeed it is, but that is not justification for its widespread distribution.”

  Jon felt more confident in his argument now. “We humans developed our version of the IS-Drive based on our ingenuity and our observations of your conversations with the IS. It is but a matter of time before other talented engineers come to the same conclusions as we did and develop a similar system.”

  Marcellus said, “We will concede that point.”

  Jon said what he hoped was his last argument on the subject, “That which is inevitable should be embraced.” He sat down.

  The five members of the Ankh rose in unison and bowed toward Jon. Marcellus said, “You have stated your case eloquently, Group Captain McKinnah. Your grandparents and your parents have every reason to be proud of your efforts. We will now debate your request and give you an answer.”

  “When can we expect your answer?” Jon asked bluntly.

  “Within thirty of your Earth days,” Marcellus responded with a very slight smile. “In the meantime, I suggest you return to Hylox. A situation has developed there that needs your immediate attention.”

  That got Adalan-Kyfor attention. She s
prang to her feet, which was akin to watching a spring uncoiling. “We must hurry, Jon,” she said with obvious distress. Talor translated as she spoke. The group hastily said their farewells and climbed aboard the waiting platform. As before there was no reference point to their speed other than the now rapidly growing view of the CSF Sparta. No sooner had the platform stopped when Adalan-Kyfor jumped up to the top of the ramp and encouraged her cohorts to hurry aboard. Within five minutes they were out of the giant moon and had reached a point where they were again under their own power, Annika gave the order to return to Hylox and as a precaution called for battle stations at the same time.

  They returned to the same point they had exited from Hylox boundary zone. Annika immediately set a course for Adalan-Kyfor’s headquarters. As soon as they entered the atmosphere a pair of round Hylox fighters formed up on either side of them. Judging from the look of concentration on Adalan-Kyfor’s face she was in conversation with the pilots.

  Talan confirmed his speculation. “An attack is in progress on Kallion, a sister world to Hylox. From the report, it sounds like Khruellian fighters.”

  Annika pulled the ship into a tight turn and settled on the landing pad, scattering the waiting personnel. Adalan-Kyfor barked a series of rapid-fire sentences to Talor before jumping into the lock and out the ramp as soon as it was partially opened.